Crime

Mapp Vetoes Bill Mandating D.N.A. Testing Upon Arrest

ST. THOMAS -- A Novelle Francis-sponsored bill that sought to mandate DNA testing on persons charged for felony, misdemeanor sexual assault and violent crimes  — even if they had not been convicted of said crimes -- has been vetoed by Governor Kenneth Mapp. Mr. Francis had said in February that DNA testing would lead to faster convictions while providing law enforcement officers with the tools needed to effectively do their jobs. A former police commissioner and police chief, he said the measure was consistent with national initiatives. But Governor Kenneth Mapp said the measure, as written, "runs afoul of the Fourth Amendment, and in its entirety, does not comport with the standard approved in Maryland v. King, 133 S. Ct. 1958 (2013)." The governor said Attorney General Claude Walker, who'd previously supported the measure, reconsidered his position after further consideration and deliberation. Mr. Mapp added that while Mr. Walker supports the collection of DNA samples, he's...